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How Gun Violence is Changing Generations
For many people, it is easy to think about gun violence and its impacts a few times a year, either following a horrifying, high-profile story in the news or during Wear Orange Weekend (this year June 3-5). Unfortunately, that is not a reality for an ever growing group of people across the country.
Reform Jewish Movement Responds to School Shooting in Uvalde, Texas
“There are no words left to describe the pain and horror of yet another school shooting. 21 lives cut short."
Reform Jewish Movement Responds to Massacre in Buffalo
"The pain of today’s massacre in Buffalo will endure among the racist horrors in American history. We pray for the loved ones of those murdered, for the city to find healing, and for our nation to awaken fully to the need to address the racism that continues to plague us."
Pride 2022: Celebrating and Fighting for LGBTQ+ Equality in June and Beyond
In the story of creation, the first story we read in the Torah, we learn that every person is created b'tzelem Elohim - in the holy image of God (Genesis 1:27). Discrimination against any person arising from apathy, insensitivity, ignorance, fear, or hatred is inconsistent with this fundamental belief. It is this principle that guides that Reform Movement's advocacy for LGBTQ+ equality.
URJ Immersive Youth Programs: Wellness Protocols
The URJ is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all our programs and communities. Among our most cherished Jewish values is the imperative for preserving life and maintaining health. Below, you will find information about the guiding principles and processes of our wellness work, as well as our trusted medical advisors. Following the guidance of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC), and American Camp Association (ACA), we have developed guidelines that prioritize the health and wellbeing of our camp and program communities. At its core, this work supports and enhances the creation of meaningful and memorable camp and program experiences.
An Appeal to Aid Jewish Communities in Ukraine
The following was sent on Friday afternoon as an email on behalf of the World Union for Progressive Judaism. The bottom of this post includes a link to donate to help Jewish communities in Ukraine during this time of crisis.
Dear World Union Family, We all share family in Kiev and throughout Ukraine, and that makes the crisis there personal. The headlines do not tell the full story of the fears our congregants are facing, nor the underlying threat to our community. Help is needed. As we write, Rabbi Alexander Duhkovny, rabbi of our Progressive communities in Kiev and Ukraine, expresses hope that the situation on the ground will improve as the Ukrainian Parliament has approved a restoration of the Constitution of 2004 which limits Presidential power. Yet, we know that in recent days the situation was tragic. Unconfirmed reports indicate that nearly 100 people were killed on Thursday, many of whom were victims of police snipers shooting from rooftops. Fires were spreading, electricity is still unreliable, food is scarce, and the banks and public transportation were closed.
Are Reform Jews Jewish?
Last week, Member of Knesset David Rotem described the Reform movement as "not Jewish" and "another religion." Rotem is a member of Likud-Beitenu, the lead party in the majority coalition.
Resilience of the Soul Breaks Ground in Adolescent Mental Health
SAN DIEGO, CA—To help families and congregations offer teens a safe place to mature into adulthood, the Union’s Department of Jewish Family Concerns has published Resilience of the Soul – Developing Emotional and Spiritual Resilience in Adolescents and Their Families, A Resourc
Galilee Diary: Teaching Values
Spring 1948. 12th graders at Herzliya Gymnasium strike to demand early graduation so they can join the war effort. The principal, Dr. Boger: “You must accept discipline! You are a brigade of Hebrew soldiers in the land of Israel.
URJ Ethics Accountability Update: May 2022
We are sharing this update on our ethics accountability work as part of our ongoing commitment to transparency, protection of every member of our community, and to the implementation of recommendations from the Debevoise & Plimpton investigation report.